A compact but strong museum scene spans European and American fine art, natural history, and hands-on science, most within easy walking distance downtown.
A mid-sized encyclopedic museum in a former post office building, with strong holdings in American, European, and Asian art, plus rotating contemporary exhibitions. Manageable in a couple of hours without feeling rushed.
Family-friendly museum with a full-size blue whale skeleton, a planetarium, and exhibits on regional geology, wildlife, and Chumash culture. Set in a leafy canyon a short drive from downtown near the Mission.
Small, engaging museum on the harbor covering the region's fishing, surfing, and seafaring history, with interactive exhibits well suited to kids and casual visitors passing through the waterfront.
Interactive science and art museum aimed at families, with a rooftop sound garden and hands-on exhibits on light, sound, and motion — a good rainy-day or kids' break from beaches and architecture.
Tips for Museums & Galleries
- SBMA offers free admission on the first Sunday of most months and Thursday afternoons
- Buy a combo ticket if visiting both the Natural History Museum and its adjacent Sea Center on Stearns Wharf